Tootie Smith holds a foundation in higher education, having attended Mount Hood Community College and graduated from Concordia University. Smith spent over two decades in public service, beginning with their election to the Oregon House of Representatives in the early 2000s. Transitioning to county governance, Smith served on the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners before making unsuccessful bids for higher office. Smith currently leads Clackamas County as Chair, a role that began in early 2021.

Tootie Smith's political identity is marked by a confrontational stance on public health mandates, as evidenced by her incendiary remarks likening COVID-19 restrictions to slavery. This provocative rhetoric suggests a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, even at the risk of public backlash. Additionally, Smith's alleged breach of open meeting laws indicates a propensity for unilateral decision-making, raising questions about her commitment to transparency and democratic processes. These elements together paint a picture of a candidate who is not afraid to take bold, if controversial, positions.